The above chart depicts the measure used in the combined 2002–2003 National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health’s (NSDUH) estimates and the 2005-2006 surveys to rate Maryland’s drug and alcohol use. The results have ranked Maryland among the lowest in the country. Globally, Maryland’s rates of prior year alcohol and illegal drug abuse rates have stayed at or below the national averages.

The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (NSSATS) 2006 reporting cites that the number of treatment facilities in Maryland increased from 345 in 2002 to 371 in 2006. Despite its overall low ranking, Maryland recognized the need for substance abuse treatment by adding 11 private nonprofit facilities and 18 private for-profit centers.

Maryland has shown a consistent increase in the yearly treatment admissions from 1992 (58,000) to 2006 (65,000). Although Maryland has sustained relatively low rates for marijuana and cocaine use, over the last 15 years there has been a changeable increase in treatment admissions for heroin use. However, there has been a steady decrease in the number of admissions for alcohol abuse.

The elevated increase in treatment admissions for heroin use is troubling. Heroin is a particularly addictive drug, and those suffering from addiction to the drug can benefit from participating in a treatment program that offers drug detox. Though detoxification is only the first step in the treatment process, it helps to pave the way for recovery. Maryland’s rates for individuals 12 years and older requiring treatment for drug use and not receiving treatment in the year prior was among the lowest in the country in 2005–2006.

On the psychological front, Maryland has had success in its rates for serious psychological distress (SPD) and major depressive episodes (MDE), ranking among the lowest in the country for individuals 18 years and older and 26 and older. However, the percentage of treatment admissions with psychological issues has staggeringly escalated from 7.6 percent in 1992 to 26.2 percent in 2006. This can be viewed as good and bad. It is alarming to know that so many individuals are undergoing psychological issues and have had to seek help as a result; however, it is comforting to know that they acknowledged their problem and consequently sought help.

The same should occur for individuals suffering from drug addiction or alcohol dependency. They should be aware that they are not alone in their quest to get clean and that there are a bevy of treatment facilities to choose from.